Thursday, January 22, 2009

Emergency locator transmitters that operate on frequencies 121.5 and 243 MHz can't be used in Australia after Feb. 1, according to a notice of final rulemaking issued by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The rule took effect Feb. 1, meaning that all ELTs used in Australia soon must operate on 406 and 121.5 MHz.

''''''''''' ELTs, essentially distress beacons, become activated after an accident either automatically by embedded electronics or manually by a pilot or other person. Active beacons are detected via satellite or by other aircraft. CASA explains its satellite-based ELT monitoring service provider, Cospas-Sarsat, will cease processing the 121.5/243 MHz signals.

''''''''''' As another new requirement, CASA mandates the 406/121.5 MHz ELTs be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).